- Stress and anxiety
- LGBT concerns
- Workplace issues
About Susan
Susan Gallenz is a Virginia-based LCSW with 15 years of clinical experience who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, and workplace strain. She works with clients who are navigating LGBT concerns, panic attacks, anger, and mood challenges. Her style centers on listening first and helping people use their own strengths to move forward.
Susan draws on many years of practice in community and clinical settings. She earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia and served as a volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps in Jamaica, where she worked with at-risk youth. Those experiences shaped her practical, down-to-earth approach to care.
In sessions she focuses on clear problem-solving and supportive guidance. She helps people name what drains them, build coping steps, and practice new ways of handling stress. The work is collaborative - clients set goals and Susan offers tools to reach them.
She also supports people dealing with loss, past abuse, and patterns of guilt or shame. Conversations often include ways to improve communication, reduce isolation, and manage panic symptoms. Susan aims to make progress feel achievable rather than overwhelming.
Clients describe beginning work by reviewing current struggles and setting a few immediate goals. From there Susan helps identify priorities, practice coping skills, and track small wins over time. She encourages people to notice their strengths as they make changes.
How evidence-based techniques translate to online care
Many clients find it useful to know what kinds of approaches may be used in therapy. Susan uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on building coping skills and processing difficult experiences. For example, one approach teaches practical breathing and grounding exercises to help reduce panic and acute anxiety. These steps are practiced in-session and used later during stressful moments.Another commonly used approach helps people revisit and make sense of painful memories so those memories cause less disruption. This can be helpful for people coping with trauma, abuse, or ongoing grief. Both approaches aim to replace overwhelming reactions with manageable skills and new perspectives.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist meets clients where they are and collaborates to pick methods that match each person’s needs, goals, and preferences. Over time they check what is working and adjust the plan together.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and allow more frequent check-ins when helpful. Some people prefer a quieter call for shorter check-ins, while others like longer conversations that include skill practice and reflection.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
15+ years
Credentials
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
Susan helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, trauma and abuse, anger, and related mood concerns. She also focuses on panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, and workplace issues.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She starts by listening and treating the client as the expert in their own story. Sessions emphasize practical steps, skill-building, and goal setting that fit into everyday life.
How much experience does she have?
She has 15 years of professional experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her background also includes prior work with at-risk youth and community service in the Peace Corps.
Where is she based and licensed?
She is licensed as an LCSW in Virginia and practices from that state.
Which languages are offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not work with international clients at this time.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.